Five rescued from rip:

Port Edward – Friday, 21st August. Five teenagers rescued from rip-currents:John Nicholas, NSRI Port Edward station commander, said:'At 14h17, Friday, 21st August, NSRI Port Edward duty crew were activated following eye-witness reports of 5 teenagers, all about 19 year olds, being swept out to sea at TO Strand, Port Edward.'It appears that two of the teenagers capsized on a sea-kayak but were then caught in rip-currents. Two friends first went to their assistance but were also caught in the rip and then another friend swam out to try to assist but he too was caught. A member of the public raised the alarm.'Our NSRI DISCOVERY rescue runner was launched and our sea rescue vehicle carrying rescue swimmers responded.'All 5 teenagers were rescued from the surf in relays by the DISCOVERY rescue runner and brought safely ashore from up to 200 meters out in the surf zone.'All 5 were treated for exhaustion by our NSRI medics and Netcare 911 ambulance services were activated after two of the teenagers showed signs of drowning symptoms and those two were transported to hospital by ambulance in stable conditions for observation but both were expected to fully recover. The remaining three required no further assistance after being treated on the beach for exhaustion.'NSRI are urging the public to be cautious and to be aware of rip currents. While weather conditions improve as we gradually approach spring sea conditions remain rough.'-ENDS-TO REPORT A SEA RESCUE EMERGENCY DIAL 112 FROM A CELLPHONESMS 32287 with your name and a message of support for our Sea Rescue crew. Discovery Rescue Runner file picture.